FBI opens probe into Minneapolis protest Signal chats after far-right claim

The FBI director Kash Patel announced a criminal investigation into Signal chat groups used by Minneapolis protesters after a far-right influencer claimed he infiltrated them, with officials saying the inquiry could target illegal activity (such as doxxing or obstructing agents) but not peaceful protest or First Amendment activity. Critics question the basis given encryption and protected organizing. The move comes as authorities say they are not investigating the killing of nurse Alex Pretti by border patrol agents, a case handled by Homeland Security Investigations, with body-camera footage under review.